Seoul: On Wednesday, South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the administration decided that the current Covid-19 limitations should be extended.

DP spokesperson Rep. Shin Hyun-young said at a press briefing that the two parties reached an agreement during a discussion on the Covid-19 reaction, stressing that key indicators such as ICU functioning and the number of critically ill patients and deaths have yet to improve.

However, the party requested that the government consider making minor tweaks to the social distancing measures in order to avoid causing harm to specific business sectors, according to the spokesperson. The current viral restrictions include a four-person limit private gathering size and a business curfew of 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Before the scheme's expiration on Sunday, the administration is anticipated to issue an update.

The DP encouraged the government to consider granting early compensation to small firms affected by the curbs before paying accounts, citing the time it would take to complete the compensation discussion process, which might take up to five months. The party also asked the government to reconsider its plan to implement a vaccine pass system for all adolescents beginning in February, citing parental objections.

Moon Jae-in directs hospitals to prioritise critically ill Covid patients

Lebanese PM calls for talks to restore relations with Gulf nations

San Francisco cancels annual New Year's Eve fireworks show